Comfy, Cozy and Eclectic

COMFY,COZY AND ECLECTIC

A new trend in bedroom design embraces a non-matching approach to linens and furnishings

BY SUSAN KELLY

THE BEDROOM: THE ULTIMATE COMFORT ZONE, a cozy retreat that is all our own. At this time of year, along with craving warm layers, we want to add some style. Which trends will we warm up to? We asked experts across the country for their take on those that will appeal heading into 2019 and beyond.

It’s all about setting the right mood, says Lauren Persson, creative director at Fino Lino, a Vancouver store that specializes in fine linens. “Heading into 2019, the biggest trend is toward a kind of subdued, sensuous glamour,” she says.

It starts with a colour story on the sombre side. Colours once relegated to the living room now invade the sleeping quarters. Navy, deep teal and emerald are showing strong in bedding and accessories along with dark grey and even black. The bold will paint walls or buy linens in these shades while the more hesitant may settle for one deep-toned velvet throw. On a lighter note, the deeper colours might be played against linens in classic neutral shades shot with metallic threads — a major trend, Persson says — giving them an opulent sheen.

As with furniture of all types, headboards have curved shapes now. But this is not the Hollywood Regency rococo-ness of years past. This time, it’s more about a subtle arch upwards or a downward dip on a non-embellished headboard, likely upholstered. While referencing the past, this transitional look is very much of today. “It’s also part of a new feminine direction in design,” she adds. “And we see it in the way pink and mauve have become such strong colours.” So much so, many standard neutrals — grey, white, taupe — now have undertones of these shades. On their own, Persson finds them particularly of the moment when paired with navy.

When it comes to the bed, many of us are taking great care to make it look as if we don’t care, says André Michel, home decor senior buyer for Fabricville stores in Canada. “The thoughtfully messy look is one of the top bedding trends now,” he says. “It’s a big departure from the buttoned-up bedrooms of the past.” No more perfectly pressed sheets topped with crisp pillows and shams. Today’s beds have that lived-in look.

To get the right layered effect, mix it up with abandon. Think carelessly tossed throws, mismatched pillowcases. No more buying bedding in sets; with this approach, you might pair mismatched top and bottom sheets with a duvet of another style. And mixing textures is a must, especially such soft and cozy fabrics as knits, wool, velvets and faux fur. Don’t forget a dash of the tactile fabric du jour, velvet, in a pillow or duvet cover.

It’s also time to go over the top with prints. Geometric patterns have given way to florals, the bigger the better, he says. Many are supersized versions of classic English florals from textiles or wallpaper, often with a dark background. “Other prints are an evolution of the Bohemian trend of a while back,” says Michel. “But with such intense colours and large scale, I call it the Boho look on speed.” Opt for either one or two eye-catching pieces, such as throw blankets and pillowcases, or layer patterns on patterns to create an eclectic look.

Photos courtesy of Fabricville

Under the layers of linens, the latest trend in bedroom furniture is moving away from the upholstered bed that has been in vogue for many years, says Glyn Austin, director of design and co-owner of Cocoon Furnishings in Oakville, Ontario. “As part of the health trend, there is a major return to organic materials in the bedroom,” she says. “And perhaps for that reason, beds with wooden frames are back.” The trend is slowly gaining momentum, and she believes wood-framed beds – transitional or contemporary – soon will have the edge. Those who wish to keep their upholstered versions, she suggests, might panel the wall behind with the wood of their choice: anything from pale oak to rich walnut.

The movement has also brought other natural materials back into the bedroom, especially woven ones. Modern versions of wicker chairs, tables and bedframes are streamlined for a sophisticated edge. Austin sees a lot of buzz around Vienna straw, that classic hexagonal-weave material once so ubiquitous, as an insert in wood furniture.

Prominent international designers such as Jaime Hayon and Patricia Urquiola have given it a contemporary spin. Shagreen is another natural material she likes for its distinctive texture. “In our custom line, CASE, we can create inserts for bedframes and other furniture out of this very luxe material,” Austin says.

Photos courtesy of Cocoon Furnishings

Environmental awareness now influences our choice of bed linen fabric, says Stan Leibner, co-owner of The Linen Chest, which has stores in Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes. Take bamboo, a natural fibre made from what is technically a grass and so is easy to produce in a sustainable manner. “It is one of our best-selling materials for bed linens,” Leibner says, “and with good reason.” Environmental considerations aside, bamboo linens are soft and, like cotton, they breathe, this expert says. “They’re possibly the most comfortable set of sheets you will ever sleep on,” he says.

As well, it is possible to find duvets and pillows that are bamboo-filled. But Leibner advises buyers to read the label carefully as many contain only a small fraction of this natural filling.

In a counter-trend, synthetic materials are favoured by those who crave the proper temperature as they go off to dreamland. This accounts for the rise in sales of gel-filled mattress toppers and pillows, constructed to help air circulate and keep you cool and dry as you sleep, he says.

Whatever material bed linens are made of, we still like the look of white-on-white, and monochromatic shades of ivory, taupe and grey, Leibner finds. For the fashion-forward, colours now trending are navy, blush, and shades of coral. But pretty much any shade found on the fashion runways makes its way quickly to bedding. “The bonus is that these new shades are universally appealing and easy to coordinate with rugs and window treatments,” he says. •

Photos courtesy of Linen Chest

As with the latest trend in linens, bedroom furniture in matched sets should be banished, says Linda Dolman-Weddel, owner of Accents for Living, which has stores in Guelph and Oakville, Ontario. “The matchy-matchy look of the traditional bedroom suite is out,” she says. “What’s in is choosing pieces that have different finishes but still work together.” She suggests starting with a standout upholstered headboard, then selecting chests of drawers and night tables that appeal to you, whether they’re of stained or painted wood or with a mirrored surface. Just don’t overdo it, she cautions, lest the eye has too much to take in. The fewer pieces of furniture there are, the greater the feeling of openness and tranquility.

Finally, don’t forget what lies beneath — and above. Very few homes have broadloom in the bedroom anymore, but hardwood floors can be chilly. Placing an area rug under the bed will add warmth underfoot as well as pattern and interest to the decor. If you have enough space, do find a spot for a cozy reading chair, floor lamp and ottoman. Consider multiple light sources in your bedroom including recessed lights, bedside table lamps, and a decorative ceiling fixture, all on dimmer switches. If you have the ceiling height, consider a dramatic chandelier. “So often, people consider lighting an afterthought in the bedroom,” says Dolman-Weddel. “But it really is so important when it comes to setting the mood.”

Photos courtesy of Accents for Living

Accents for Living www.accentsforliving.ca 519-822-2929 Cocoon Furnishings www.cocoonfurnishings.ca 905-829-2780 Linen Chest www.linenchest.com Fino Lino www.finolino.net 604-736-1828 Fabricville www.fabricville.com

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